Xiaomeisha Sea World, an aquarium in China, is under fire after unveiling a highly anticipated exhibit that turned out to be a robotic replica of a whale shark. The aquarium, which recently completed a five-year renovation and reopened on October 1, had attracted approximately 100,000 visitors eager to witness the world’s largest fish. However, excitement quickly transformed into disappointment when it was revealed that the prized attraction was merely a mechanical imitation.
Photos circulating on social media highlighted the robotic shark’s visible seams and gaps, prompting outrage among guests who had paid around $40 for admission. Many visitors expressed their dissatisfaction and demanded refunds, taking to social media to voice their frustrations. One visitor lamented, “The venue isn’t large enough, and even the whale shark is artificial. By 3 o’clock, people were already demanding refunds.” Another added, “When I heard the name, I was full of anticipation, but when I arrived, I saw a mechanical whale shark. I’d rather they didn’t have one at all than show a fake one.”
In response to the backlash, Xiaomeisha Sea World clarified that the decision to include a robotic whale shark was not intended to deceive visitors. Instead, the aquarium aimed to comply with laws that prohibit the capture and trade of whale sharks. Notably, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest known surviving fish species, with the largest confirmed individual measuring an impressive 18 meters in length. To create the robotic version, the aquarium reportedly invested millions of Chinese yuan.
This incident is not the first of its kind in China, where controversies surrounding animal exhibits have previously sparked public outcry. A notable example occurred at a zoo in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, where officials dyed the fur of chow dogs black to make them resemble miniature pandas, a move that drew significant criticism regarding animal welfare and ethics.
Sources By Agencies
